What's Happened With PaPa Grande????

ROB SANFORD

In the first half of the season....Jose Valverde was lights out as the closer for the Tigers. He had great control and seemed unhittable. But since late July Valverde's ERA has ballooned to more than 8.00. If I have to guess is that his inability to get first pitch strikes. He falls behind right away then has to come in, which makes him vulnerable to good hitters. This may raise concerns that he can't run with the big dogs late in the season. That could make him expendable during the off season...which may not be such a bad thing.